Consignaction, the organization overseeing Quebec’s bottle deposit program, is implementing changes due to long wait times at its depots, potentially impacting Ontarians seeking refunds for certain containers. Despite extending operating hours, some depots, like Jean-Proulx Consignaction+ near Ottawa, have faced overwhelming demand.
While Quebec and Ontario have different deposit systems for beverage containers, only Quebec allows refunds for items like soft drink containers, juice, and milk jugs. Although it is against the law to claim refunds in Quebec for containers not purchased there, Ontarians have attempted to do so.
One of the modifications involves an “express return” option for Ontario residents, where they can drop off unsorted containers in bags for processing. Refunds can then be collected through the Consignaction app approximately a week later, facilitating sorting and rejection of ineligible containers.
Consignaction may introduce additional verification measures to ensure containers were bought in Quebec. Additionally, the organization is launching seven new bulk return sites in Gatineau, with specific locations confirmed and others to be announced. Most current Gatineau return locations within stores can only manage smaller quantities of containers.
